Researchers have created a new model for predicting decompression sickness after deep-sea dives that not only estimates the risk, but how severe the symptoms are likely to be. The US Navy Diving Manual may incorporate the model into its next update, as will commercial products intended to help recreational divers plan their ascents to avoid "the bends."

Greensea has recently announced the appointment of Kevin Wingart as Quality Control Engineer. Prior to joining Greensea, Kevin worked as a principal engineer for ERIN Engineering and Research where he performed probabilistic risk assessment for nuclear power plants. Kevin served four years in the United States Air Force as an Information Technology Specialist and one year in the Peace Corps as a renewable energy technology transfer volunteer. He earned his B.S. degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from California State University. In his free time, Kevin enjoys ice hockey and medieval reenactments.

Decom North Sea, the membership organisation for the oil and gas decommissioning sector, has announced Chris Cox, managing director of Centrica’s Exploration & Production business, as keynote speaker for its flagship conference and exhibition, Decom Offshore 2017.

Mountain West Commercial Diving (MWCD) has 25 years’ experience salvaging pipelines, boats and weapons from the lake bottom, stopping leaks in dams and reservoir walls, pouring concrete, setting anchors, cutting pipelines, dredging rivers and pipe penetration, replacing submerged valves and inspecting potable water systems. During that time Mountain West Commercial Diving has always exceeded their client’s expectations while adhering to the highest standards in industry compliance and safety.

The Larimer County Sheriff's Office Dive Rescue Team held an academy to recruit new members for its squad deployed to rescue people who have been dangerously submerged in water. The Sheriff's Office is looking for individuals with experience in water rescue, dive rescue, commercial diving, military diving, recreational scuba, as well as individuals with experience as an EMT, paramedic, law enforcement officer or anyone with a strong enough desire to help people in their time of need, the release stated.

The March/April issue of Underwater Magazine is online now. This issue features stories on industry topics ranging from the The Development of Hyperbaric Pipeline Welding, the ADCI Audit Initiative, Underwater 2017 and an update from the Gulf of Mexico Diving Safety Work Group (DSWG). All of this and much more in the latest issue of Underwater Magazine.

At Underwater Intervention, elections saw General Members, Crofton Diving and EPIC Divers and Marine retain their seats on the ADCI Board of Directors, and Broco has assumed the Associate Member seat previously held by Divers Supply Inc. I want to thank Robbie Mistretta (Divers Supply Inc.) for all of his hard work while serving as the Association's Treasurer for the past 10 years. Robbie also does extensive work to provide the Association with insights into equipment maintenance, inspection, and testing. This is especially valuable when we look to make revisions to the International Consensus Standards for Commercial Diving and Underwater Operations. As for the Officers of the Board for 2017, Bryan Nicholls (U.S. Underwater Services, LLC) has been elected President, Jay Crofton (Crofton Diving Corporation) is 1st Vice President, Bo Ristic (Chet Morrison Contractors, LLC) is 2nd Vice President, and Bruce Trader (MADCON Corporation) will serve as Treasurer. Claudio Castro (Chilean Chapter Chairman, STS Chile) will serve as the International Executive Board Representative, and Craig Fortenbery (Mainstream Commercial Divers, Inc.) will serve on the Executive Board as Past President.

The Great Lakes Water Studies Institute is hosting an ADCI Certified ROV Pilot Technician Professional Training Program March 6 - May 6, 2017. The cost of the program is $10,600, which includes all tuition, books and fees. The program is limited to 10 participants and local housing options are available. For more information about the program entrance requirements or to register for the program, click the learn more link below.

It’s a go ahead for new design development and configuration for the established OceanWorks International observatory communication nodes, thanks to approved funding from The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP).

Abyss Aqua, a key provider of services to the Norwegian aquaculture industry, has bought a second Saab Seaeye Falcon. They have added the deeper-rated 1000 metre version of the Falcon to their extensive fleet of underwater vehicles.

A variety of sonar systems are now being used by law enforcement and public safety dive teams, universities and salvage companies for recovery operations, subsea surveys and marine research. Sonars produce almost photographic images of the underwater environment regardless of water clarity. Side scan sonar can sweep several hundred feet of ocean, lake, or river bottom in one pass of the boat allowing large areas to be searched or surveyed quickly.

Another Greensea system is entering the market – this time with the versatile, long duration, Exocetus Coastal Glider. Greensea is providing its commercially available navigation, control and automation product based on the patent-pending OPENSEA operating platform – the first operating platform for the marine industry – for the command and control of the Exocetus vehicle and sensors.

SBG Systems is proud to announce the new Ekinox 2 Series, a new generation of the SBG’s advanced and compact inertial navigation systems. With new accelerometers and gyroscopes, Ekinox 2 attitude accuracy has been enhanced by a factor of two while improving resistance to vibrations and integrating the Beidou constellation.